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EVERYMAN MILITANT 
A Modern Morality 

BY 
EWING RAFFERTY 




BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1916 






'%%^ 



Performing rights reserved 
by the author. 




Copyright, 1916 
Sherman, French q' Company 



15 1916 






TO 

MADDALENA 



EVERYMAN MILITANT 



CHARACTERS 

Everyman 

War 

Peace 

Conquest 

Vanity 

Wealth 

Conscience 

Caution 

Famine 

Pestilence 

Death 

The Past 

The Present 

The Monarch 

The Church 

Time 

NOTE 

time is merely a scene-shifter and has 
nothing to do with the plot. 

ALSO 

AS IN REAL life, SOME OF THE CHARACTERS AP- 
PEAR BUT RARELY ; THEIR PARTS MAY BE 
DOUBLED. 



THE PROLOGUE 

Time 

Good Friends, I'm Time, though not as Time 
accoutred 

In toga, with symbolic glass and scythe. 

Forgive the paradox, but e'er I've kept pace 

With Time and scarcely yet am middle-aged. 

No more does Folly garb in cap and tinsel, 

Nor Wisdom in a winding sheet of gray. 

One's qualities these days are better hidden ; 

What oft did ope now serves to bar the way. 

In no new role do I appear this even ; 

I'm call-boy still, none can deny me that. 

The play's not new : the plot's as old as I am, 

But Timely : please again o'erlook the jest. 

It tells of Everyman, his fearful trials 

With those whom he has set o'er him to rule, — 

Each Adam's son, tho' veined in blood called 
royal. 

By some strange alchemy to me unknown. 

Think not. Good Folk, the characters all mor- 
tal. 

But attributes and symbols, all save two ; 

One's Everyman, thine image, and the other, 



Cl)t prologue 



His idol moulded in his flesh and blood. 

The attributes will need no introduction, 

Old friends you'll doubtless see in everi^ one, 

Though Wealth's a snobbish rake and most ex- 
clusive, 

And seeketh not a friend in Everyman. 

But I must haste, for Everyman's most anxious 

To occupy the center of the stage. 

His part is short. Fear not ; when lines are 
garbled. 

The call-boy, Time, shall drop the curtain. Age. 



ACT I 

IN WHICH EVERYMAN TAKETH UP 
THE SWORD 

Scene : A hall in the palace. A halcony in 
the rear overlooks the courtyard. A large mir- 
ror is set in the wall at right. A curtained al- 
cove containing divan is set in the wall at right. 
A stately gothic door leading to chapel is set at 
left. Chart on easel rear right. 

DiscovERiED : Monarch at table turning 
over papers disconsolately. He rises with a 
sigh, casts down papers and paces up and down 
discontentedly. Stops before a bust of Mars 
and contemplates it. Approaches table, sits on 
right corner, looking in mirror. Vanity ap- 
pears in mirror. 

Vanity 

Why sit ye here in lonely state? 

[Monarch looks up startled^ 
'Tis of little compliment to thy radiance 
To find content in dreaming of the Past. 
The World looks unto thee for greater things 
1 



2 (JBlierpman Militant 

Than glorying in splendors worn and old. 

Unto thee have been given mighty powers 

And cleverness beyond the mortal brain. 

Be fair unto thyself and claim the honours 

Accorded thee by Heaven's bounteous hand. 

'Tis Pride, by some called Vanity, who speaketh, 

Man's sharpest spur toward paths of Fame and 
Wealth. 

Be not content to wear ancestral halos 

But grasp the wreaths thy brain and might de- 
serve. 

Thy servants. Wealth and Power, are most 
obedient ; 

The hardest tasks are featherweight to them. 

Youth, haste, take advantage of the Present. 

The Future then shall sing thy meed of praise. 

Monarch 
But how? Tell me more, Spirit. 

Vanity 

Thou hast thy five wits. Call upon the second 
to tell thee. 

Monarch 

[Pondering a moment^ 
I'm told there are many ways to Fame. Some 
have found it through Knowledge, some 



OBDerpman giilitant 3 

through Good-Deeds, and some through 
Conquest. 

Vanity 

The first of these be cowardly passive routes. 
How like you the last? 

Monarch 

[Startled] 
Conquest ? 

Vanity 

To be sure. Thy fathers chose it. Think you 
all this power came from Knowledge and 
Good-Deeds ? 

Monarch 

[Mu^inglt/] 
No-o. 

Vanity 

Thou hast the strength of thy fathers all. Art 
thou content with mortal boundaries? 
\Pokiting to chart] 

Doth Man dare stretch a line thou canst not 
cross ? 

Monarch 

[Rising] 
O Pride, thou pleasest me strangely. Tell me 
more. 



OBtJerpman Q^ilitant 



Vanity 

[^Fading away'\ 
Actions, not words, become thy line, Youth. 
I'm proud of thee. Thou justifiest Vanity. 
[Disappears^ 

Monarch 

[Bewilderedly'\ 
Conquest. 

[Approaches chart and takes up pencil. 
Stands before chart a moment. Con- 
quest appears from behind easel, takes 
his hand and traces line around entire 
chartl^ 

Monarch 

[Drawing away startled^ 
Who art thou? 

Conquest 

[Smiling'\ 
Thou didst call my name. I am Conquest. 

Monarch 

Indeed? Thou art timely. Vanity recom- 
mended thee. 



dBUerpman ^ilitmt 



Conquest 

Vanity hath ever been my friend, — my press- 
agent. 
[^Pointing to chart^ 

A pretty picture. Is it not.'* 

Monarch 

[Enthusiasticall^l 
A glorious one. 

Conquest 
The moreso after retouching. 

Monarch 
Thy strokes are broad and virile. 

Conquest 

[Deprecatmgli/^ 
'Tis but a thumb-nail sketch at present. An 
thou wilt, I'll change it to an epic. 

Monarch 
[Eo.gerly'\ 
Oh, if thou but couldst, I do wish it. 

Conquest 

Then must I have thy power, thy vast resources, 
Thy wealth, thy strength, thy blind, unyielding 
trust. 



6 OBDerpman Q^ilitant 

If thou wouldst taste the sweetened cup of 

Vict'ry 
All these must enter in the brewing-pot. 
If thou wouldst see thy brow adorned with laurel, 
Thy banner flaunting o'er the topmost peaks, 
The legend " King of Kings," upon thy corselet. 
Then furnish Conquest what is his just due. 

Monarch 

[Ecstatically^ 
'Tis a glorious picture. — But I have sworn to 
keep the peace with men. — And the 
cost — 

Conquest 

Will men keep peace with thee or suffer treaties 
To bar the road to gain? Why think of cost.? 
'Tis but a loan. The principal returneth 
With interest vastly o'er the legal rate. 
The wealth of nations ever came from Conquest ; 
The greatest kings, save one, were kings of war. 

Monarch 

[Soberly'] 
But He, the One of Peace, was e'er the greatest. 

Conquest 

'Tis true ; but He has ever been the champion 
Of kings ; invested them with right divine. 



OBtJerpman Qiilitant 



Vanity 

[Appearing again in mirror^ 
Hast thou not had strong proof of Heaven's 

sanction? 
With Him upon thy side thy cause is won. 

Monarch 

Thou'rt right. On such a hazardous adventure 
'Twere well to start with Heaven's sympathy. 
The cause is just. I'll gain the World and 

rule it, 
A favored prince and chartered from on high. 
I'll gird my loins, and with this solemn blessing 
Upon my armaments and tossing fleets, 
I'll rule the World as He would have me rule it 
Who takes me in this lofty partnership. 

Vanity 

l^Sotto voicel^ 
A gracious tribute. Youth, and sweetly spoken ; 
To Vanity such words are honeyed drops. 

CoNaUEST 

Such partnership can end in naught but vict'ry ; 
Already have we done with half the strife ; 
The other half falls legacy as ever 
To him who bears the brunt of battle's rage. 



8 OBtjerpman Militant 

Call Ever3fman, thy ever-ready ally, 
And bid him straightway arm in stern array ; 
Tho' meek, he hath a weakness for Ambition 
That builds him strength to clear the barriered 
way. 

Monarch 

But Everyman is busied with his labors 

And hath a home and vineyard in his care. 

Of late he seemeth changed and peaceful na- 

tured ; 
Mayhap he'll falter where he once was strong. 

CoNauEST 

Rubbish. Everyman's born of his father 
And needeth stirring. Paint a glorious scene 
Of Vict'ry, Fame, and Wealth, the oldtime pic- 
ture, 
And rouse in him the latent spark of Greed. 
Appeal to that misnomer, Patriotism, 
The cause of wars, my favorite argument. 
Hath Heaven not anointed thee the Master.'' 
Command and Everyman must needs obey. 

Monarch 

Conquest, thou art an able pleader. I'll do thy 

bidding, but — well, of late 
Everyman hath shown an unusual liking for 

Peace. — 



(IBtJerpman Militant 



Conquest 

l^Impatientl^^ 
A fig for Peace. An unprogresslve chit. She 
hath not the attractions of Victory. 

Monarch 
She's more easily wooed. 

Conquest 

And therefore more pleasing to Vanity. 

[Casts look toward mirrorl 
Enough, Everyman is thy servant. Summon 
him. 

Monarch, with compliant gesture, strikes 
gong. Enter Everyman, a youth, gay 
and prosperous.^ 

Everyman 

[Making obeisancel^ 
Sire, thou didst call? 

Monarch 

Everyman, art thou content? Thy position in 
life, is it pleasing? 

Everyman 
Sire, I am prosperous, my barns are full, my 



10 OBtjerpman Q^ilitant 

cattle many, and I am ready for the second 
harvest. 

Monarch 

[With a significant glance at Conquest] 
What say you to a harvest ample for thy life? 

Everyman 
'Twould be wondrous. 

Monarch 

Then give ear. Thy position is pleasant. 
Thou art well-fed, and thy lands are ample 
— for the present. But thou and thine 
are on the increase ; will they be ample 
then? 

Everyman 

[Soberlijl 
I had not given it much thought, Sire. 

Monarch 

The future must needs bring about a division of 
thy lands. What say you to new ones? 

Everyman 

A pleasant thought, Sire. I should be grateful. 
Everyman, thou art mortal. Honor, Fame, and 

Power are also pleasing to thee. What 

say you to them ? 



dBtJetpman Militant ii 

Everyman 
Sire, thou knowest my weaknesses. 

Monarch 

And thy life, — it is half spent. Time grants 
thee but a short span. 
[Time, in corner, chuckles in approbation, 
pointing to earthy 

Everyman 

[Fearsomeli/^ 
Time? I like him not. He hath a reputation 
for being fast. 
[Time scowls^ 

Monarch 
An you do my bidding, all these things are thine. 

Everyman 

I have ever been obedient. Sire. Tell me how 
they may be gained. 

Monarch 

By Conquest. Thou hast always been his 
protege. 

\^Waves hand toward Conquest, who 
smiles^ 



12 OBtJerpman Militant 

Everyman 

[Shrinking^ 
Conquest? I had begun to fear him through the 
company he keeps. He hath boon com- 
panions in Suffering and Death. 

CoNaUEST 

[^Assuri/nglyl 
They are parasites. I like them no better than 
you. My chosen companions are Victory, 
Fame, and Wealth. 

EVEEYMAN 

I know them not, save Wealth slightly. He 
hath ever seemed cold and distant. 

Monarch 

But a true friend when thou hast won him over. 
Come. Conquest influences him greatly. 

Everyman 

But I must remain at home. I am pledged to 
the sweet maid. Peace. See, how modestly 
she awaits me. 

[Peace, who has entered with Everyman, 
trembles and anxiously gazes at hijn\ 



Monarch 

She will await thee always. Follow us ; then, 
when Fortune is thine, return to her. 
Fame and Wealth shall grace thy nuptials. 

Everyman 
[ Undecided] 
Thou almost persuadest me, Sire. Sweet Peace, 
wilt thou await me.'' 

Peace 
[SadlTf] 
I have ever awaited thee, Everyman. 

Everyman 

But wilt thou suffer me to leave for a short 
space ? 

Peace 

An thou truly lovedst me, thou couldst not pro- 
crastinate, 

Everyman 
[Eagerhj] 
I'll come back to thee. I swear it. Besides, I 
am commanded. 'Tis a war for posterity, 
for the Fatherland. 

Peace 

Think well. War hath grown new fangs and is 
more ravenous. Hast consulted Caution? 



14 OBUerpman Militant 

Everyman 

[l7npatiently^ 
Caution is ever a wet blanket. The adviser of 
conservatives and do-nothings. 

Peace 

And of wise men. O Everyman, if thou lovest 

me, follow me. My dowry is such as 
War will never bring thee, my victories greater 

than War's. War but destroys the things 

I build. 

[Everyman is silent, undecided^ 

Conquest 

Peace, Thou'rt like a mother o'er prolific, 

And rearest chaff as well as golden grain. 

Couldst thou and War but strike a happy 
medium, 

A leasehold whereby both improve the land, 

Where thou couldst tend the tilling and the 
rearing 

And War root out the weakling and the weed ; 

Such bargain struck ordains naught but Pros- 
perity, 

And might through the survival of the Fit. 

Peace 

'Tis but a dream. One cannot yoke the tiger 
Against the lamb and hope for unison. 



OBtJerpman Militant is 

Consult the Past. Such teaming ne'er showed 

profit, 
Nor can the Present change Heredity. 

'[Approaches mummy-case m corner^ 
Aye, hear the Past and know if Might escapeth 
The undertaker Time's embalming touch. 

[Opens case, disclosing The Past swathed 
in burial clothes^ 

The Past 

I am The Past ; my name is Ozymandias, 
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair. 
Of me naught doth remain but broken sculpture, 
Decay, by Hist'ry barely kept alive. 
These scattered stones, once columns and grim 

battlements, 
Defying powerful Caesars — even Time. 

[Time in corner scowls^ 
These vast and trunkless figures in the desert, 
With visage buried half beneath the sand, 
Played false and hurled their builders to ob- 
livion. 
While on the sneering lips these words appear : 
" I am the Past ; my name is Ozymandias." 
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair. 

Monarch strides to mummy-case and closes 



16 OBDerpman Qiilitant 

Monarch 

The Past is dead. We deal but with The 
Present. 

Peace 

The Present, Time's companion, is the offspring 
And first-born of the Past. Give ear to him. 
lEnter The Present, a child. Time 

greets him and conducts him to the 

center^ 

The Present 

And I, The Present, born of vast experience, 

And sired by worthy stock, the ancient Past, 

Forsake ancestral ties to build the Future, 

Lest I become The Past, with empty hands. 

Did I enjoy the confidence of Future, 

Then were we able better to advise ; 

But always Future hath kept close-mouthed 
counsel. 

And leaveth tattling to the tell-tale Past. 

But ponder well, O Youth, o'er Hist'ry's scrip- 
tures ; 

Ere wielding steel, beware the Dragon's teeth; 

The womb of Earth has ne'er yet bare its con- 
queror, 

Nor conqueror but met his equal, Time. 

[Time proudly surveys his biceps. Ev- 
eryman is silent, still undecided^ 



OBtJerpman Militant i7 

Vanity 

[To Monarch] 
I'll speak with Everyman. I'm never stronger 
Than, when disguised as Pride, I plead my case. 
Like Ovid's flea, I creep in every corner 
And sit upon his brow and rouse his ire; 
Or garbed as Envy, lean with hate of Mankind, 
I cannot eat and wish all food would rot. 
As Wrath, the Lion's whelp, I'm foe to Reason. 
With fangs unsheathed I seek an enemy. 
For lack of one I wound myself, embittered. 
Leave Everyman to me, his inner Lord. 

[To Everyman] 
Come, Everyman ; thy faintness ill befits thee. 
In Hist'ry's scroll thou'rt destined for a place. 
The World is thine an ye but reach to grasp it. 
Thou'rt Man, the noblest work of Heaven's 

chief. 
Thou know'st not Fear; 'tis foreign to thy 

makeup. 
Shall others hold what rightly should be thine? 
Another tills thy fields and drains thy cattle, 
And on thy very birthright fattens swine. 
To arms ! Such despots merit well thy anger. 
Come, deal the blow thy fathers never dealt. 
Unleash imprisoned Fury, loosen Vengeance. 
To arms ! Come, buckle on the leaded belt. 

[Hands Everyman a loaded cartridge helt'\ 



18 OBUcrpman Militant 

Everyman 

Thou'rt right. The tools of War are more ap- 
propriate ; 

The tools of Peace await a later age. 
l^Throws doxnn hoe he has carried^ 

Lead, Sire ; I'll follow on tho' marked for 
slaughter ; 

The call of empire Everyman doth heed. 

Come, Conquest ; thou hast gained o'er Peace 
ascendance 

Thy bloody fields bear fruit more ripe than hers. 

I hold thee to thy promise ; show thy prowess ; 

Breathe life into the vivid scenes thou paint. 

[BiicKles on belt. Peace, burying her face 
in her hands, steps aside. Vanity is 
trvuTnphant] 

Conquest 

Have no fear, Everyman ; my victories shall be 
thine. 

IMONARCH 

[ Enthusias ticaUy ] 
Well spoken, faithful Servant. Thou art 

valiant. 
Defender of our honor and our shores, 
Whose empire, Ocean, and whose fame the 

heavens 
Alone shall bound; a worthy subject thou. 



OBiJerpman Q^ilitant i9 

[Points to chart with drartm sword^ 
Dost see what great rewards await thy effort? 
New boundaries and fresh fields to rear thy 

kine ? 
A city here to pay thy levied tribute. 
A palace decked with priceless gems of art. 
A puny monarch here to hold for ransom. 
Here mines of gold and countless precious 

jewels. 
A proud race here soon subject to thy bidding; 
And on thy brow sweet Vict'ry's laurel crown. 

[Tears curtain from alcove, disclosing 
Wealth reclining on divan, fat and 
covered with jewelsl^ 

Wealth 

Yea, Everyman, is't not a wondrous vision, 
With Vernay INIartin background daubed in 

gold ? 
I'm Wealth, thy fondest dream, for thou art 

mortal. 
Piled high in bags and trussed in corners deep ; 
Doled out to some in mean and thrifty measure, 
And showered upon a certain favored few. 
Make Wealth thy friend, for even Fame and 

Honor 
Can ne'er provide thee comforts such as I. 
With Wealth thy friend such baubles can be 

purchased, 



20 €Derpman g^ilitant 

And gates thou ne'er couldst enter be unlocked. 
He that once did spurn thee shall be menial, 
And humble be the Proud that once did mock. 

[Everyman approaches him eagerly^ 
Naj, Everyman, approach me not the closer. 
Wealth's not won by yearnings but by deeds, 
Both good or bad, — the source is immaterial. 
I shield the Wicked and protect the Good. 

Everyman 

[To all, eagerly^ 
Let us be off. 

[Monarch hands him rifle and bayonet. 
Everyman catches sight of Peace weep- 
ing silently^ 

Everyman 

[Tenderlyl 

Think not, sweet Peace, that thou art quite for- 
gotten. 

I seek for naught but thy aggrandizement. 

When things are done I'll hasten to enfold thee. 

Thou art True Love ; thee Everyman shall wed. 

Monarch 

[Impatiently^ 
What has Love to do with marriage. She was 
not present at my wedding. 



OBtJetpman Militant 21 

Peace 
[Sadli/] 
Thy path is chosen, Everyman. I bid thee 
A sad farewell, but ere thou go take leave 
Of her whom once thou termed thy guiding 

angel. 
One stricken nigh to death by thy resolve. 

[^Assisting Conscience, who enters, frail 
and feeble^ 

Everyman 

[Approaching Conscience] 

Why, Conscience, what sorry plight is this ? 
Conscience (a beautiful woman) 

A sorry plight in truth ; thy weakened Con- 
science, 

No longer fit to mark the guiding path ; 

Once leader strong; by tempters now enfeebled, 
[Points to Monarch, Vanity, etc-l 

Dulled in brain and fit but for the tomb. 

And thou art he in whom I once triumphant 

Did reign and ever sov'reign laws impose; 

Whom once I held a friend to every creature 

And had betrothed to Peace, a priceless pearl. 

These palsied hands, these tott'ring limbs were 
strengthened, 

Could I reclaim thee ere thou tasteth Hell ; 

Sweet Peace, for thee I've struggled, but the 
Tempter 



22 dBUerpman Militant 

l^Pomts to Wealth, wJio dangles ^excelled 
croxcn before Everyman's eyes^ 
O'er Everyman again hath cast his spell. 

Monarch 
Mind her not ; she's a jade by me abandoned. 

Peace 

[Leading Conscience aside^ 
Come, Conscience ; Faith and Hope have not 
deserted. 

Monarch 

More trouble makers, I ween. Who are Faith 
and Hope? 

Vanity 

[Deprecatingly^ 
Sisters of Charity, female Micawbers. 

Monarch 

[Advancing toward balcony'\ 
Enough. 

[On balconyl 

Let martial music rend the air. 

The banners wave on high; 

The paths of Glory wait our tread. 

For Fatherland or die. 



OBtjerpman Militant 23 

\^MaAes sign over balcony. Blast of 
trumpets. Everyman and Vanity fol- 
low him^ 

Wealth 

I'll stay behind. I'm safer here as Minister of 
Armament. 

Vanity 

I'll go before. Disguised, I must invade the 
enemy else there'd be no war. 
l^Sound of church bells. All listenJi 

Monarch 

Stay, Comrades ; in our lust for things called 

temporal 
We've nigh forgot a most important rite: 
'Tis Heaven's blessing on our host and armies. 
The Church hath ofttimes sanctioned Right of 
Might. 

[Approaches chapel door and opens it; 
enter The Church, clad in mitre and 
vestments. IVIonarch and Everyman 
fall on knees. Vanity remains stand- 
ing] 

Monarch 

IMighty Church, we've thrown the gage of 

battle ; 
Thy blessing on our arms ere we set forth. 



24 dBUetpman Militant 

The Church 
[^With hand upraised} 

No more thy ally, Youth ; such things arc ended. 

But pastor, Avearied tending wayward sheep. 

What strange request is this, the Church's 
blessing 

And sanction as in niedia^^val Past 

Upon the bloody pacts of kings with Con- 
quest, 

My blessing on the hand that slays my flock.'* 

Time was when I allied myself with Conquest. 

Men said, " The end did justify the means." 

Time was when I did ask the Guiding Spirit 

To lead the host arrayed in its defense. 

Why ask the Church, divorced from all thy 
councils, 

The ally of Good-Will and Peace toward Man, 

To offer up such sacrificial tribute, 

A prostitute before thy bloody clan? 

Blasphemer, make not light of Heaven's bounty ; 

The day of bristling steel shall soon be o'er ; 

The sword into the ploughshare shall be beaten, 

When it hath stricken him who maketh war. 

The Church and Peace shall ever be triumphant, 

And sorely wounded Conscience raise her head ; 

And Everyman shall reap that which he sow- 
eth. 

My blessing.'' Nay; such sacrilege is dead. 

[Monarch is for the moment bewildered] 



OBiJetpman Qiilitant 25 

Vanity 

[Talcing Jiim hy the arm] 
Come, heed him not. And thou, too, Every- 
man. He is Superstition disguised to 
frighten us. Think of what awaits. 
Everything is prepared. Our armies are 
invincible. 

Monarch 

[Pulling himself together^ 
Then is war inevitable. 

[Beckons Everyman to follow^ 
[Soimd of trumpets. Banners pass be- 
neath the balcony. Monarch and Con- 
quest with drawn swords, and Every- 
man with rifle, exeunt proudly. Peace, 
Conscience, and The Church look 
sadly after them'\ 



curtain 



ACT II 

IN WHICH EVERYMAN WIELDETH 
THE SWORD 

Scene: A meadoxe. In the background a 
distant city. On the left a smouldering camp- 
fire. At right a gigantic siege-gun, partly 
covered with tarpaulin. 

Discovered : Time asleep by campfire, head 
in hands. The tarpaulin rustles and War 
emerges, seated on gun. 

War 

What ho, good Time. Bestir thyself and greet 
thy old friend, War. I've come to shake 
thee up a bit. 

Time 

\^As though dreaming^ 
Begone, thou Son of Hell, thou murderous night- 
mare. Spoil not my dreams, for dreams 
are all I've left. 

War 

\Laughvng'\ 
Ah, Time, thy dream-castles ever totter. And 
thy latest creation, the Palace at The 
26 



OBVJerpman Q^ilitant 27 

Hague, what a pity ! 'Twas a work of art, 
but thou didst build it on the sands. 

Time 
[Dreaming^ 
" And they shall beat their swords into plough- 
shares and their spears into pruning- 
hooks — " 

War 

[Roaring with laughter'\ 

Ho, ho. " And nation shall not rise against na- 
tion, nor shall men know war any more." 

Come, Time, thou'rt not original. I've heard 
those lines before. 

Time 

\_Ruhbing his ei/es'] 

Ho, hum. What a dream. I've had another 
fifteen minutes in the Millennium. Now for 
a step backward into Civilization. 
{^Catches sight of War] 

So, 'tis really thou, is it? Thou with thy brain- 
spattering art. I might have known as 
much from a sight of thy chariot. 

War 

{^Slapping gun barrel'^ 
How like you it? 'Tis my new 1914 model. 
I've done with scythed chariots. 



28 OBtJerpman Militant 

Time 
I'll admit thoirrt up to date. 

War 

One's calling's oft proclaimed by one's com- 
panions. 

An' this be so, my friend proclaims me War. 
\^Slaps gun agarn] 

Man's Court of Last Resort from Earth's in- 
ception, 

And Justice, Lord Supreme, where Might pre- 
vails ; 

The source of Power of all thy Christian na- 
tions ; 

The Sting whereby Mohammed holds his own ; 

The Antidote 'gainst over-population; 

A sure specific for Senility. 
{To audience^ 

Nay, be not harsh. I hear thy muffled whispers ; 

Forget not ; all thy greatness came from me. 

Decry me not. See. Yonder sits a soldier, 

And there a man who fashions armor-plate. 

Be gracious unto one who crushed the serpent, 

Whose tyrant coils enwrapt thy liberty. 

'Tis true, I have most unattractive friendships 

In Pestilence, the Fire-God, and in Death. 

But War, like Politics, creates strange bed- 
mates. 



(B'otxymm Militant 29 

Why, these three worthies oft are seen with 

Peace. 
Besides, am I not Everyman's creation? 
The natural sequence of his jealous wrath? 
This plaything here is not of my invention. 
'Tis Everyman who plans these tools of Death. 
Arraign me not, but seek first his indictment. 
I'm War, but blameless of my bloody acts. 

Time 

Thy blood relations, Murder, Lust and Pillage, 
Have rendered thy defense a sorry task. 
Red as thou art with slaughter, new from battle, 
The realms fore-doomed by thee shall curse thy 

name. 
E'en when thy steaming stench of carnage 

endeth. 
And when thy crackling flames in ashes die, 
Thou'rt not content but, hand in hand, with 

Conquest, 
Sit back and threat the World with fresh alarms. 

War 

[Carelesshjl 
Perhaps thou'rt right, but yonder comes my 

genius. 
The Monarch, and while such as he exist 
My days shall ne'er be numbered, nor my cannon 
Be beaten into puny tools of Peace. 



30 OBtJetpman Militant 

Time 

[Resu7nmg place in back of fire^ 
I fear thou'rt right. 

^Enter Monarch zvith Conquest, Left 

Caution, a sentinel, paces to and fro in 

hacTiground^ 

Monarch 
How goes it, Caution. Is all well ? 

Caution 

All quiet, Sire, but never well till Fury 

Hath gorged herself and chained the beasts of 

War. 

[War smiles sile?2tlyj 

Monarch 

Mayhap. Be watchful ; keep thy vigil bravely. 
For Everyman hath loosed his brother's wrath. 
Ye Gods, what naked hate thou breedest. Con- 
quest. 
What damned Lust thy enterprise exhales. 

Conquest 

Mind not the thorn but seek the rose it fosters. 
Was ever Triumph gained without the pang? 



OBtjerpman Qiilitant 3i 

Monarch 

'Tis true. A prize unearned is one unsweet- 
ened; 

The obstacle but makes the goal worth while. 

I'm with thee, Conquest. I have signed thy 
compact. 

My benefits are greater far than thine. 

Conquest 

Did I not promise thee a valiant ally 

In Everyman when thou hadst stirred his soul.? 

Didst mark him in his drunken battle-triumph.? 

Didst note the froth of madness on his lips ? 

Commend him on his valor, praise his courage, 

And tender him yon little cross of iron. 

'Tis cheap. Thy foundries turn them by the 

millions, 
And Vanity hath told him they are gold. 

Monarch 

Leave that to me, Conquest. Beguiling Every- 
man is Royalty's most serious duty. 
Else how would we wear crowns ? 

Time 

{^Chuckling Imlf audihly'\ 
In faith, I've seen them broken. 



32 OBt^etpman Q^ilitant 

Conquest 

Already have thy lands increased in measure. 
Keep Everyman cheered up and thou'lt be 
Emperor in truth. 

Monarch 

Strange dreams assailed my brain this morn ere 

waking, 
Suggesting penalties for broken faith. 
An outraged world did rise in flaming anger 
To kindle vengeance for a treaty spurned. 
But, bah ! I cast them off as silly phantoms. 
Have I not Heaven's sanction as my guide? 
Could all this greatness spring from eartlily 

sources ? 
Can Conscience trouble him of seed divine? 

Conquest 
Fear not. Conscience goeth not to war. Her 

place is not on the battle-field. 
But see, the warrior approaches. Remember 
he doth feed on flattery. 
[Enter Everyman exultingly, wiping his 
bloody sword on a torn cavalry guidon^ 

Everyman 
O Sire, this day hath been a day of glory. 
And victory crowns our arms on every side. 
The stricken foe hath lost full twice the measure 



OBtJerpman Militant 33 

Of precious ground he won but j^esterday. 

See, here's a pennant wrested from his guidon, 

Its bearer — Saints — was but a stripling 

youth. 
Ye Gods, how he did 'still within them courage 
Which ne'er forsook till I had hewed him down. 
E'en then he raised his voice above the cannon 
In fierce command that they surmount the crest, 
I hushed him with this blade ; then fickle Fortune 
Seemed pleased and tossed the wreath of Vic- 
tory. 

Monarch 

'Twas well done, Everyman. Thou dost thy 
Monarch honor. Come forward. He will 
grace thee fittingly. 

[Everyman comes forward. Monarch 
pi/ns cross upon his breast. 

Everyman 

[Falling on his knees, kisses the feet of 
Monarch] 
O Sire, thou'rt good to Everyman. This honor 
I'll repay upon the field. 
[Rises^ 

Conquest 
And how likst thou War now, Everyman ? 



34 OBtJerpman Qiilitant 

Everyman 
'Tis glorious. 

[War, on cannon, sUently chuckles^ 
Conquest, thou art man's true leader, 
Thy trade hath fascinations I'd ne'er dreamed. 

Time 

[Half audibly^ 
Thou'rt yet in thy apprenticeship. 

Monarch 

Everyman, art thou still fit? I have more am- 
bition for thee. Another race must thou 
conquer ere my divinity is proven. 

Time 

[Half audibly^ 
Strange how they all fall for the Divinity stuff. 
I warned Ramcses about that. 

Everyman 

[Proudly and boastfullyl 
Fit.'* Yea, Sire, I crave another foeman. 
The very hour I've finished him out there. 
This battle-lust hath gripped me by the vitals 
And nourished strength I knew not I possessed. 

Monarch 

Another race, a damned one, hath risen. 
To aid the foe and compass our defeat, — 



OBtjerpman Qiilitam 35 

A haughty race deserving our just hatred, 
Though ruled by sons of our own radiant 

House ; 
A race whose power at sea hath rarely suffered, 
Whose might I have decreed shall be destroyed. 
See; yonder battle-lines and deep-dug trenches 
Encircle legions of this Lion's horde, — 
Each one a whelp to whom we'll show small 

mercy 
Until our culture hath improved his ways. 

Vanity 

[^Who has entered behind Everyman] 

Hark, Everyman. Thy Monarch speaks of 
culture. 

Thy progress shall be felt in every land. 

Thy learned brain hath rendered thee all-power- 
ful. 

From thee shall light spring forth on darkened 
clouds. 

Everyman 

Fear not, Sire, Everyman shall not be wanting, 
'Tis Destiny that Everyman doth heed. 
This outcast race I'll hate with all thy loathing. 
Its death-song shall we chant ere I have done. 
But list, Sire, for my tale is not yet ended ; 
Another gory chapter must unfold: 



36 OBtjerpman Militant 

A tale of Duty's power o'er finer feelings, 
A tale of Duty done at fearful cost. 
The tide of battle ebbed and raced like Ocean 
Beneath the baleful rays of war-like moons, 
When, taking it upon a favored moment. 
We topped the crest and rolled the foeman back 
Within his forts beyond a town abandoned 
By all save one whose valor cost us dear. 
This was no cuirassier in burnished helmet, 
No grenadier with basket primed with death, 
No veteran grinding hellish mitrailleuses ; 
Give car : it was a childish, smiling maid. 
The city taken, we could press no further; 
From out the skies there rained a molten blast 
As though unfriendly angels marked our prog- 
ress 
And planned the course of brazen thunderbolts. 
The traitor-hunt began. We ransacked 

steeples. 
And even razed the towers designed for God. 
No traitor did we find, but this lone maiden. 
Who stayed behind when stronger ones had fled, 
And from her attic casement flaunted signals 
That told off many score of us for death. 

Wak 

[Sternly'] 
You did not spare her? My laws are strict on 
that point. 



(BtJetpman Qiilitant 37 

Monarch 

[ Threateningly^ 
Speak, Everyman, speak up. You did not 

spare her? 
Remember: our existence over all. 

Everyman 

Nay, Sire, I did not spare her, though Compas- 
sion 

Forbade that I should look upon her face. 

She stood against a wall and met her portion 

As calmly as the Maid of Old Orleans. 

And Conscience hath not troubled me about her, 

I did but loose her from a world of pain ; 

Though, Sire, had I possessed this Cross at 
yester, 

'Twould grace that maiden's breast in dead 
Dolhain. 

War 

Well done, Everyman. An Death forbear a 
while, I'll make thee general. 

Time 

In faith, I've lost respect for Herod. He was 
a piker. 

Everyman 

But Sentiment, like Conscience, hath no stand- 
ing 



38 (Otjerpman Q^ilitant 

In any court where gory War's enthroned. 
Away with both. They're stumblmg-blocks to 

Glory 
And Wealth. Hurrah, at last Wealth is my 

friend. 
He beckons me from cities marked for pillage, 
And dangles princely ransoms 'fore my eyes ; 
I've seen him in cathedral halls and cloisters. 
And gleaned his jewels from bloody altar-cloths. 

Vanity 

{^Stepping forzmrd in Satanical cap and 
feather^ 
A worthy pupil, Everyman. Thy boldness does 
me proud. 

Monarch 

[Shocked] 
Can this be Vanity.'* Nay, thou art the Devil. 

Vanity 

[Smiling] 
I am both, though more at home in the latter 
role. I'd ask thee a question. 

Monarch 
What is thy question.'' 



OBDerpman Q^ilitant 39 

Vanity 

What meanest thou by this " Heaven on my 
side " attitude ? Is there no credit due 
me, the Devil? 

Monarch 

Nay, I know thee not. Turn from him, Every- 
man. 

Vanity 

Turn from me who inspireth his courage? Let 
him dare. Am I not right, Everyman? 

Everyman 

[Hesitafinglij^ 
I — I believe thou art. 

Vanity 

Thy Heaven generally favors the heaviest ar- 
tillery and, because thou hast it, forget not 
who prompted its manufacture. 

Monarch 

And who was he? 

Vanity 

'Twas I, the Devil, Is it not Hell's machinery? 
Come, a spade's a spade. Why, War's the 
only trade at which Heaven and I can work 
in harmony. 



40 OBtJerpman Militant 

Monarch 

Sh-h, ere thou unncrvest Everyman. Only 
hush and I'll give thee thy due. 

Vanity 
'Tis something I seldom receive. 

Time 

[Shak'mg Ms head^ 
Same old Devil. 

Vanity 

And now to business. Everyman, thou hast but 
to follow me and possess the World. 

Everyman 
[Proudly^ 
I am the World. 

Vanity 

And the women. What of them.'' 

Everyman 
Are they not mine? I have possessed them. 

Vanity 

Thy brother's sisters, yes. 
[Rubbing his hands^ 



(BUtymm Militant 4i 

Ah, thou art a true disciple of mine. 

[^The muffled beat of drums is heard^ 

Everyman 

[Startled] 
I like not that sound. 

[All listen fearfully] 

Monarch 
Nor I. Caution, who goes there.'' 

Caution 

[Presenting arms] 
'Tis Death. 

Everyman 

[Fearsomely] 
He — he hath no business with me. 

Time 

[Smiling] 
Thou forgettest ; he is thy executor. He'll set- 
tle thy worldly affairs. 
[Drum-heats approach] 

Monarch 

Stop him, he hath an ill effect on Everyman's 
morale. 



42 OBtJetpman Militant 

Time 

Nay ; like me, thou canst not stop him. 
\_All are awed] 

[Enter Death, preceded by two drum- 
mer s~\ 

Everyman 

[Fearfully] 
Away, Death. I'll none of thee. My mission 
is not finished. 

Death 

My business is with unfinished missions. Did 
Everyman finish his mission, then should 
I cease to exist. 

Monarch 
But I had not counted on thy coming. 

Death 
Thou art like Everyman. 

Everyman 

Death, I'll buy thee off. See; Wealth is my 
friend. Stand by me, Wealth. 
[Enter Wealth] 



OBtJetpman Militant 43 

Wealth 

Aye, Ever3'man, thou hast won me as a friend. 
I'll stand by thee in all thy worldly trou- 
bles. 

Death 

Did I set store by gold and silver, then might 
I possess the World. Nay, Everyman, I 
care not for Wealth. 

Wealth 

{^Shaking in the Jcnees^ 
Nor I for Death, Everyman. I'll stand by, 
honor, and shield thee in life, but not be- 
yond. Nay, I'll not lie down in the grave 
with thee. 
[Wi:ALTH shrinks in background^ 

Everyman 

[Shuddering^ 
But, Death, I do not deserve this visit. I am 
yet of use in the World. I have Good- 
Deeds in my favor. I'll call on them to 
defend me. Good-Deeds, O my Good- 
Deeds, stand by me. 
[He listens^ 

A weak voice 

[In the distance^ 
O Everyman, I cannot come to thy aid. Thy 



44 dBtjerpman Militant 

sins have sorely bound me. I am too weak. 
I faint. 

Everyman 

[ Despairingly ] 

Death, thou comest when I least expected 

thee. Shall I not see the sweet maid Peace 
again .'' 

Death 
Why didst thou leave her? 

Everyman 

[Pointing to Monarch, War, and Con- 
quest] 

1 left her at the bidding of these good gentle- 

men. 

Death 

[To the others^ 
Ah, thou art indeed my good friends. How 
can I repay thee? 

Monarch 
Give us Everyman yet a while. 

Death 

I have not come for Everyman but for the 
brothers he hath sent me. Him I but 
warn. 
[Everyman sighs in relief] 



OBDerpman Militant 45 



On yonder field in bodies torn and shapeless, 
In living flesh and shattered gaping skulls. 
In mangled heaps of what was once God's like- 
ness. 
The souls of men, impatient, wait my rounds. 
No fear of Death pervades these anguished 

faces. 
But fear lest Death, in haste, shall pass them 

by. 

No prayer for Life these bloody lips do mum- 
ble. 

But curses on the tardiness of Death. 

Is this my work.? Nay, even Death doth shud- 
der 

At sight of things Death never meant should be. 

The very worms of Earth robbed of their plun- 
der. 

Thy Saviour's image stuffed in buzzard's craws. 

Is such my work. Nay, Death would fain 
touch lightly 

The fevered brows of greybeards in their beds 

Than haunt the slaughter-pens where ye do bat- 
tle 

And wrest from carrion-crows the lives of men. 

Upon this Earth, his own, a wise Creator 

Allotted unto each a mortal thread. 

And thou, with vandal hands, have dared de- 
stroy it. 

Or, failing that, to snarl and twist the strand. 



46 OBtJerpman Q^ilitant 

Beware. The gory blades that wreak thy 

anger 
Upon a weakened brother may revolt, 
And summon Death to thee in form most 

hideous, 
Who on his fellow loosed the thunderbolt. 

[Everyman, fearfully, steps back, stag- 
gering^ 

[Monarch presses vial to his lipsl^ 
Remember, Everyman, when next I greet thee, 

I'll tap thee on the shoulder. Make thy 

peace. 

[Eait Death, followed hy drummers'\ 

Everyman 
\^Gasping'\ 
Saints, 'twas a close call. He — he stretched 
a bony hand and almost touched me. 

Monarch 

Aye, but thou art alive and well to fight an- 
other day. Pull thyself together. Come, 
Fame and Fortune still becken thee on- 
ward. 

Everyman 

'Twas a nasty blow. 

[He straightens up'\ 
But, thanks to thee, I'm well once more. I'll 

forget him. He missed me. 



OBtJetpman Militant 47 



Vanity 

An thou yearnest for revenge I'll show thee the 
way. 

Everyman 

[Bristling^ 
That I do. Where is my enemy? 

Vanity 

[Adjusting his Satanical cap'\ 
Gaze on the towered peaks of yonder city, 
Each one a citadel whereon thy foe 
Stands guard and mocks thy vain attempts to 

bait him 
And hurls foul insults on thy manly race. 
And yon cathedral spires that pierce the 

Heavens 
Are raised in sacrilege to thine own God, 
And bishops chant and pray to him, thy cham- 
pion. 
That they be spared the justice of thy wrath. 

Monarch 

Then shall we terminate his damned existence 
Who spits his filth upon a better breed. 
Who dares invoke the aid of our defender. 
To arms. Hew down this noxious poisoned 
weed. 



48 OBVJerpman ©ilitant 

Conquest 

Well spoken. Come. 'Tis time for pressing 

action. 
The rainbow's end lies there. A rich reward. 

War 

" To arms." A magic phrase. Unsheathe 
thy weapons, 

Turn loose these mighty engines. See, they're 
charged, — 

Each monstrous belly weighted with destruc- 
tion. 

Come, seize the lanyard, start my merry play. 
[War holds out lanyard, offering it to 
Everyman] 

Monarch 

[To Everyman] 
Everyman, to post ; begin the action. 
Thy target's yon cathedral; bring it down 
With all its cursed mob of unbelievers 
And sanctuary-seekers ; raze the town. 

[Everyman hesitates a Tnoment'\ 

Everyman 

[Fearfulhj^ 
But, Sire, 'tis God's own house. 



OBDerpman Q^ilitant 49 

MONAECH 

[Ster7il2^1l 
My will be done. Make ready. 

[Everyman takes lanyard gingerly from 
War, who smiles gloatingly^ 
Fire. 

[^The huge gun is discharged into the sky. 
All follozc with their gaze its fiery arc 
in the skies. It descends. A distant 
roar is heard. The cathedral topples 
and lurid flames burst forth from the 
ruins^ 

[Everyman hides his face in horror^ 



War 



[^Ecstatically^ 
A wondrous effect. 



Monarch 

[Loudly li 
Victory. Evei'yman, thou art a glorious war- 
rior, 

Everyman 

[Horror-strickenl^ 
Look. 

[Conscience is seen rising from the flames 

in background^ 
[Everyman falls on his knees in remorse^ 



50 OBUerpman Q^ilitant 

Conscience 
[Sternlyl 
Aye, look ; for I am Conscience, the Avenger, 
And Everyman's confessor ere he dies. 
His palsied frame e'er grovels in my presence, 
The Priestess unto whom he never lies. 

Monarch 
Mind her not, Everyman. I warned thee of her. 

Conscience 

And who art thou that dares make light of 

Conscience? 
Before whom thou, too, yet shall bend the knee. 
Who takes in partnership thy God, thy Maker, 
And then destroys his house, his Earthy See.'' 

[Monarch is silent^ 
To Everyman is given power of Reason, 
And Everyman discerneth Right and Wrong, 
Yet plungeth shoulder-deep into damnation 
If Vanity but offer him a song. 
Give heed, thou fool who searcheth in War's 

haystack ; 
The needle, Fame, no longer there exists. 
The laurel wreath of Glory crowns the Peaceful, 
Not him who seekcth it in bloody lists. 
The youth whose pennant dangles from thy 

buckler 
Thy brother was, by thee in anger killed. 



dBtJerpman Qiilitant si 

[Everyman is horror-struck^ 
The Martyr Maid of Dolhain was thy sister ; 
Yon blackened heath, the fields thine oxen tilled. 

Everyman 

[^Raising his hands to Heaven^ 
O God, what have I done? 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 

IN WHICH EVERYMAN LAYETH DOWN 
THE SWORD 

Scene: Everyman's dooryard. In the 
background his house, a blackened ruin. Be- 
fore it a few charred tree-stumps. One small 
pear-tree remains. A lonely pear dangles 
from its branches. On the right a broken 
shrine. 

Discovebeb : Time adding finishing touches 
to the scene. He disarranges one last stone, 
then wearily mops his brow. He seats himself 
on a stone in the background. 

Time 

'Tls done. Once more the final scene's com- 
pleted, 

Ye Gods, how oft I've set it up before. 

The end of Everyman's grim martial drama. 

The hackney'd Finis to a tragic plot. 
[^He again surveys the scene^ 

Nay, there's something wrong about the pic- 
ture, 

52 



Ctjerpman Militant 53 

An atom of Prosperity remains. 

\^He arises, plucks the pear, and after con- 
templating it a moment, crushes it under 
his heeV] 
Thou'lt never do. E'en thy minute sugges- 
tion 
Belies the " Atmosphere " and cramps War's 
style. 

\^He catches sight of a little flower at his 
feet] 
And, as I live, a daisy dares to blossom ; 
Begone ; thou'rt unconventional ; what nerve ! 

IHe crushes the flower under his heel] 
Who dared plant thee? Why, War's our land- 
scape artist. 

\^He picks up an unexploded shell and 
pours a few shrapnel balls from it] 
Thou never sprang from these, his favored 
seeds. 

{He turns and contemplates shell] 
And Thou ! I knew thy stony-hearted forbears, 
Ten thousand years before thy hellish birth, 
Conceived in slings like that of holy David, 
And, like thee, wrought to desolate all Earth. 
Thy fathers, harnessed back in mighty engines. 
Did oft crash vainly 'gainst the city wall ; 
But thou, resistless in thy shrieking onslaught, 
Thou art the biggest devil of them all. 
J[He ca^ts the shell away in disgust] 



54 €Uetpman Militant 

Ah, Everyman, why pick and choose kings 
when thou wert born one? 
[Then looking off to leftl 
Ha ! The players approach. Some of me 
must elapse. 

[Seats himself on a stone in rear^ 
[Enter War, folloxced hy Everyman. 
War walks proudly while Everyman, 
ragged and with battered cuirass, walks 
with faltering steps^ 

War 

And now I'll take my leave of thee, Everyman. 
Thou hast been a worthy disciple. 

[Everyman looks at him blankly^ 
And fortunate, too, thou art safe and sound. 

[Everyman stares at his rags and feels 
of himself^ 
New realms have I gained for thee and thy 

Monarch. 

Everyman 
But where are they? 

War 

Doubtless thy Monarch holds them in trust for 

thee. 

[Everyman shrugs his shoulders^ 
And I have eained for thee honor. 



OBtJerpman Militant 55 

Everyman 
Aye, and a twisted leg. 

War 

[^Pointing at the tattered laurel hanging 
from Everyman's brow^ 
And see ; thou hast the laurel-wreath of Fame. 

Everyman 

[Untwisting it from his head] 
And can I eat it,'' I am hungry. 

War 

[^Half audibly] 
Everyman is growing wiser. I must take care 

lest I grow unpopular. 

[Aloud] 
Oh, thou shalt be fed. Thy Monarch will look 

after thee. 

[Everyman looks dubious] 
Farewell, brother. Thou art safely home. 

Good-day. 

Everyman 

[Looking around him] 
Nay, thou art mistaken. This is not home. 
[He looks around him bewildered] 



56 OBtJerpman Militant 

War 

[Half audibly and nervously, surveying 
scene^ 
I fear I have overdone this scene. I must abate 

my methods somewhat. 

[Then hurriedly^ 
It is thy home, Everyman. Farewell. 

[Exit War, at left~\ 

Everyman 

[Looking in dismay at the ruins. He is 
speechless for a few moments^ 

This — my home ^ That I left so beautiful 
and bright? 
[He wanders among the ruins^ 

INIy home, where I left the sweet maid. Peace, 
with all her youth and beauty ? And yon- 
der blackened stumps my orchard, that 
Peace kept so blooming? O Peace, Peace, 
where art thou? 

A WEAK VOICE 

[In the distance^ 
Everyman, O Everyman, I hear thee, but am 
faint. I've waited for thee. 

Everyman 

[Distractedly'\ 
Speak again, Peace. I must find thee. 



The voice 

Here, Everyman. I'm coming. 

lEnter Peace, worn and weartf. TJiey 
embrace^ 

Peace 

Everyman, I cannot speak for joy. Thou 

hast come back again. 

Everyman 
Peace, thou art a faithful maid. 

Peace 

1 waited on thy threshold till they drove me 

off. Then, an exile, I wandered over the 
Earth in search of thee. And, now that 
I have found thee, wilt thou never leave 
me again? 



[Fervently'] 
Never, never. 



Everyman 



Time 



[With an impatient gesture] 
Old stuff, old stuff. 

Peace 
And thou, too, art weary and worn.'' 



aBUerpman Q^ilitant 



Everyman 

[ Unenfhusiasticalli/^ 
Yes. But see, here is fame. 

[He holds up the laurel-wreath] 

Peace 

[Dubiously/ surveying his raitnent] 
And Wealth.'' Did he accompany thee back.'' 

Everyman 

[Strivijig to hide his ragsli 

He, — he is somewhat tardy, but fear not ; I 
have won him over. Besides, have I not 
fought for and won an empire.'' 
[Peace silently surveys the scene] 

And have I not builded another kingdom.'' 

Peace 

[Sadly] 
And tumbled thine own house down. 

Everyman 
But Wealth will build me another. 



Peace 



[Sadly] 
When he comes. 



dBUetpman Militant 59 

Everyman 

Nay, be not so disheartening. I am sure of it. 
My Monarch has promised he will come. 

Peace 

And will he people it with thy brothers and 
sisters.'' 

Everyman 

[Soberly^ 
Peace, thou hast touched a tender chord. 

Come, let us look inside. 

l^Dubiousli/^ 
There is a chance. 

[Peace remains silent^ 

Everyman 

Thou art strangely silent. — I am fright- 
ened. — Come, the door's ajar; let us 
look. 

Peace 

[Anxiousli/'\ 
Nay. I beseech thee, go no nearer. It is too 

late. 

[ImploringlT/^ 
I beg of thee, Everyman. Come with me. 

Leave these ruins. See, all is not lost. 



60 OBVierpman Qiilitant 

\^She unknots her kerchief and displays 
some seed^ 
We'll begin anew. These are my seedlings, 
and they shall bring thee forth a mighty 
harvest. I implore thee, enter not there. 
The planting is o'er and none is left save 
the reaping. 

Everyman 

[Impetuously^ 
Stay me not. I shall enter. 

[He rushes toward the door. Peace 
buries her face in her hands. Ere he 
reaches the door it swings open and 
Famine appears on the threshold. 
Everyman staggers back^ 

Everyman 

Why, Famine, what doest thou here.'' I — I 
thought thee on the battlefield. 

Famine 

I came here first. Thou hadst left the door 
open. 

Everyman 

[I ndignantly^ 
Thou hast no right here. 



OBtjetpman Q^ilitant 6i 

Famine 

{^Smiling grimly^ 
" Women and children first." I am chivalrous 
if nothing else. 

Everyman 

[Angrily^ 
Get thee gone, that I may undo thy fiendish 
work. Wealth, where art thou.'' Come, 
drive this wolf away. 

Famine 

[LaugTimg'\ 
Ha, ha! 'Tis ludicrous. Wealth hath not 
been seen in these parts for many a day. 

Everyman 
Get thee gone, I say. 

Famine 

[Stepping fortJi] 
My work is finished. I'll oblige thee. Nay, do 
not threaten. I may return to thee. 
[Everyman has followed him with hamd 
upraised'\ 

Everyman 

[Turning hacTc to cottage^ 
Then shall I strive to undo thy devil's work. 



62 OBtJetpman Qiilitant 

Famine 

^As he makes exit, with a hearty laugh^ 
Beware another on the threshold. 

[Everyman rushes for the door, and as 

he reaches it Pestilence appears on 

the threshold^ 

Pestilence 

[^Extending his hand^ 
Greetings, Everyman. I am Pestilence. 
Wouldst shake me by the hand? 

Everyman 

[^Shriiiking back in horror^ 
Nay, I'll none of thee, Pestilence. In the name 
of Heaven, what doest thou here? 

Pestilence 

[^Pointing after Famine] 
I but complete my brother's work. We labor 
as one. Surely thou saw us in the camps. 

Everyman 
Thy place is in the camps, not in the home. 

Pestilence 

My place is where thy fevered rage doth seek 
me. 



OBuerpman Q^ilitant 63 

Thy angry sword doth also cleave my path. 

Our trades are like, though thou art my su- 
perior. 

I seek but those who've 'scaped thy warrior's 
wrath. 

Thy powers have earned my everlasting envy. 

Thy daily toll is greater far than mine. 

Where killing's to be done I'm still a novice, 

I'll trade thee methods ; Death e'er favors thine. 

Everyman 
Begone, thou devil. I'll not rival thee. 

Pestilence 

That I shall, but tell me first where War has 
gone. I must follow him. 

Everyman 

[Angrili/^ 
To perdition for all I care. I'm done with 
him. 
[Time leans back in disgust^ 

Pestilence 

Then shall I follow Famine. 

[Extending his hand in derision^ 
Farewell, thou fool. 

[Exit Pestilence, following Famine] 



OBtjerpman q^ilitant 



Everyman 
He called me fool. Me, the Empire Builder. 

Peace 
Thou wert too trusting. 

Everyman 

[^Starting again for his door^ 
What hath he left me? 

Peace 

[In frenzied voice, and barring the way^ 
Nay, I forbid it. There is one in there who 
is thy master. 

Everyman 

And who is my master, but the God who hath 
forsaken me.^* 

A voice 

[From within^^ 
Blasphemer, I, too, am thy master. 

Everyman 

[Horror-strickeTi] 
Death ! 

[Then to Peace] 



dBtJerpman Militant 65 

Didst hear? I — I dare not enter. 
[Distractedli/^ 

Who is there who will help me? O Wealth, 
why hast thou forsaken me? Thou who 
canst drive away all troubles, even Death. 

Death 

[Fro7« within^ 
Nay, Everyman, Wealth is my friend. He oft 
provides me with a handsome shroud. 

Everyman 

Then is there no one? Surely I deserve not 
such retribution. What of my Good- 
Deeds ? 

Peace 
[Sadli/] 
Ah, Everyman, Good-Deeds fled at the ap- 
proach of Passion. 
[The sound of a trumpet is heard] 

Everyman 

{^With sudden joyousness] 
Then here is one who will help me. Behold, 
my Monarch approaches. He, at least, is 
in my debt. 

[Everyman and Peace give way as Mon- 
arch enters, Left, preceded by Vanity, 



66 O^uerpman g^ilitant 

both on ricJily caparisoned horses. 
They do not notice Everyman, xeho fol- 
lows them crying.^ 

Sire, dost not know me? It Is I, Everyman, 

who calls thee. 

[Vanity and the Monarch half] 

Vanity 

[Adjusting a monocle^ 
Who is this person who rudely calls us? 

Everyman 

1 am Everyman, thy strong right arm. 

Monarch 
Why, so thou art. What dost thou here? 

Everyman 
'Tis my home. Look upon it. 



Vanity 



\^Snohhishly^ 
'Tis a sorry place. 



Everyman 

Pity, Sire. I am in want. Famine and Pes- 
tilence have tried me sorely. 



OBtJerpman Militant 67 



Monarch 

The results of thy war, Everyman. See, my 
purse is sadly depleted too. 

Everyman 

'Twas thy war, Sire, and I aided thee mightily 
in it. Alms, I beg of thee ; alms. 

Monarch 

[Righteously^ 
Nay, 'Twas not of my seeking. Thy hot blood 
demanded it. 

Vanity 

[Half audiblu^ 
In faith, I had a hand in it myself. 

Everyman 

[Pleadingly^ 
O Sire, I beseech thee, grant at least a part of 
my promised reward. 

Monarch 

Thou art ungrateful, Everyman. The cross 
upon thy breast, the wreath upon they 
head: are they not a bountiful reward? 
I'll be still more generous with thee. 
There is to be feasting in the castle-square 
this night. Thou mayst attend and sing 



68 OBtJerpman Militant 

in honor of my victories. Verily, I be- 
lieve thou art becoming avaricious. 
lExit MoNAECH and Vanity] 

Everyman 

[Beating his breasfl 
Forsaken. Even he upon whom honors 
I heaped with reckless hand hath passed me by. 
Forsaken. Even he whose jeweled scepter 
Came from these stricken hands doth now reject 
The former champion of his very birthright, 
The staunch defender of his majesty. 
" A fool," the proverb saith, " who trusts in 

princes." 
Thrice fool is he who raiseth o'er him kings. 

\^He surveys his ruined home^ 
And this, the gratitude of faithless monarchs. 
This, the harvest reaped by War's fell scythe. 
The fields of youth plowed up by murd'rous 

engines. 
Then sowed with skulls of mangled harmless 

babes. 

\^He holds forth his hands^ 
The guilt's mine too. My breast's laid bare 

for Vengeance. 
Already Conscience's blade hath pierced me 

here. 
With sight of drowning mothers thrusting in- 
fants 



OBtJerpman Militant 69 

Aloft for one last gurgling draught of air. 
[Conscience appears at left^ 

Conscience 

Nor have I finished yet with thee, poor mortal ; 

Thy meed of unction hath not yet been served. 

Such pictures shall I paint while thou art ex- 
tant; 

Perhaps they'll right a path that tends to 
swerve. 

To Everyman I say, " Offend not Conscience, 

Whose inquest searcheth through with piercing 
eye, 

And bares the hidden tumor whose existence 

A thousand lying tombstones may deny." 
[Everyman hides his face in anguish^ 

Everyman 

Conscience, thou art right. I reap the whirl- 
wind. 

Before thee, freely, I acknowledge all. 

Is refuge to be found in expiation? 

Will scores be balanced when this blade shall 
fall.? 
[Everyman Jwlds dagger aloft^ 

Conscience 
Art thou not sated yet with scenes of blood- 
shed.'' 



70 OBtJerpman Militant 

Wouldst add the crime of cowardice to thy 
list? 

Seek sohice on this Earth which thou hast black- 
ened. 

Remember Hope remains where Life exists. 

Everyman 

{^Despairingly^ 
But where? 

Conscience 

Look to the sweet maid, Peace, for future 

guidance. 
Her fields have ever borne the sweetest fruits. 
Nor call on worldly aids which ever fail thee, 
Forget not One who ne'er forgetteth thee. 

[Peace points to shrine on the right^ 

Everyman 

[Cowering in terror^ 
Nay, nay ; I cannot. I have blasphemed. 

Peace 
As have others. ' 

Everyman 

[Hesitating'] 
But I have destroyed his house. I have cast 
out Belief. 



CUetpman Militant 7i 

Peace 

Thou canst not. 

[.4 shaft of brilliant light illumines the 
shrine. Everyman, bewildered, casts 
aside his sword and kneels before the 
shrine^ 

Time 

[^After a momenfs stretching^ 
Ever the last resort. 

Peace 

[^Assisting Everyman to rise^ 
Come, Everyman, thou art mine again. 

{^Exeunt Everyman and Peace on right. 
Death appears on the threshold, con- 
templates them for a moment, then with 
a sinile he inverts his hour-glass, and 
folloxvs slowly after'\ 

[Time arises and picks up Everyman's 
sword. He contemplates if] 

Time 

I'll preserve this ; Everyman will be after it 
again. 

\^He slowly proceeds to the right and 
draws the curtain'\ 

CURTAIN 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

01 5 937 854 8 #, 



